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Preparing for your appointment
By Mayo Clinic staffUsually you can get rid of pubic lice by using a nonprescription shampoo, such as Rid or Nix, that's specifically made to kill lice. Properly washing potentially contaminated sheets, towels and clothes also helps to eliminate pubic lice.
If these measures don't work, see your family doctor or a general practitioner. Because appointments can be brief, and because there's often a lot of ground to cover, it's a good idea to be well prepared for your appointment. Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment, and what to expect from your doctor.
What you can do
- Write down any symptoms you're experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment.
- Write down key personal information, including when you might have been exposed to pubic lice, who you might have exposed, and what bedding or clothing items might be contaminated.
- Bring a list of all medications, as well as any vitamins or supplements, that you're taking.
- Take a family member or friend along, if possible. Sometimes it can be difficult to soak up all the information provided during an appointment. Someone who accompanies you may remember something that you missed or forgot.
- Write down questions to ask your doctor.
Your time with your doctor is limited, so preparing a list of questions will help you make the most of your time together. List your questions from most important to least important in case time runs out. For pubic lice, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:
- How do I treat pubic lice?
- Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing me?
- How do I rid my household items of pubic lice?
- Who do I need to inform about my condition?
- How long should I avoid sexual contact?
- What other measures do I need to take to avoid re-infesting myself or others?
- Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can take home with me? What Web sites do you recommend?
- What will determine whether I should plan for a follow-up visit?
In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your doctor, don't hesitate to ask questions during your appointment at any time that you don't understand something.
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions. Being ready to answer them may save time, allowing more time later to cover points you want to address. Your doctor may ask:
- When did you first begin experiencing symptoms?
- How were you exposed to pubic lice?
- Is there anyone you might have exposed to lice?
What you can do in the meantime
If you think or know you have a pubic lice infestation, avoid sexual activity until you've been treated. Also avoid sharing bedding, towels or clothing.
